U.S. patent number 4,155,518 [Application Number 05/872,479] was granted by the patent office on 1979-05-22 for reel lifting apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to General Cable Corporation. Invention is credited to Robert F. Small.
United States Patent |
4,155,518 |
Small |
May 22, 1979 |
Reel lifting apparatus
Abstract
Reel lifting apparatus utilizing a truck-like vehicle having a
wheeled framework with a subframe mounted on the framework. A truck
bed body is mounted upon the subframe and overlies the subframe. An
elongate rod-like member is provided which is pivotally mounted on
the body so that it extends in a direction at right angles to the
longitudinal axis of the vehicle. First and second arms are mounted
in fixed spaced apart positions on the rod-like member. The arms
are formed so that they are capable of carrying a reel mounted upon
a spindle. A plate is secured to the rod-like member. An L-shaped
member has one end of the same pivotally connected to the subframe
and the other end pivotally connected to the plate. An actuator is
pivotaly connected to the subframe and to the L-shaped member at a
point intermediate the ends of the L-shaped member for causing the
movement of the arms through an angle in excess of 135.degree.. An
in-line motor drive train is mounted upon one of the arms. Means is
provided for connecting the drive train to the reel so that the
reel can be driven.
Inventors: |
Small; Robert F. (San Jose,
CA) |
Assignee: |
General Cable Corporation (San
Carlos, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
25359640 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/872,479 |
Filed: |
January 26, 1978 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/388.7;
242/390.5; 242/399.1; 242/403; 242/559.4; 414/546 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P
3/035 (20130101); B65H 54/54 (20130101); B65H
49/325 (20130101); B65H 49/32 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60P
3/035 (20060101); B60P 3/00 (20060101); B65H
49/32 (20060101); B65H 49/00 (20060101); B65H
54/54 (20060101); B65H 54/40 (20060101); B65H
075/40 (); B60P 001/48 () |
Field of
Search: |
;242/86.5R,86.52,94,54R
;214/77R,501,502,504 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: McCarthy; Edward J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Flehr, Hohbach, Test, Albritton
& Herbert
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a reel lifting apparatus, a truck-like vehicle having a
wheeled framework, a subframe mounted on said framework, a truck
bed body mounted on said subframe and overlying said subframe, said
truck bed body having a planar bed surface, an elongate rod-like
member, means pivotally mounting said elongate rod-like member on
said body so that it extends in a direction at right angles to the
longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a pair of arms, means for
mounting said pair of arms in spaced apart fixed positions on said
rod-like member, means carried by the ends of said arms for
receiving and carrying a reel, a plate-like member secured to said
rod-like member, an L-shaped member, means pivotally securing one
end of said L-shaped member to the subframe, means pivotally
connecting the other end of the L-shaped member to the plate-like
member at a point offset from the axis of the rod-like member, an
actuator underlying the truck bed body and having one end pivotally
connected to the subframe and having the other end pivotally
connected to the L-shaped member at a point between the ends of the
L-shaped member whereby there is imparted to said rod-like member
and the arms carried thereby rotational movement in excess of
135.degree..
2. A lifting apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said arms are capable
of pivotal movement through an angle of approximately
180.degree..
3. A lifting apparatus as in claim 1 together with a reel, a
spindle bar adapted to be inserted through the reel and removably
mounted on the ends of said arms, motive means carried by the outer
end of at least one of said arms, and means coupling said motive
means to said spindle bar and the reel carried thereby so that the
reel can be positively rotated by the motive means.
4. A lifting apparatus as in claim 1 together with a reel carrying
structure mounted upon the framework of the vehicle, said reel
carrying structure including a pair of spaced apart parallel angle
members, a pair of tooth-like members secured to said arms and
extending outwardly therefrom at an angle, a spindle bar adapted to
be inserted in through a reel and carried by said tooth-like
members whereby as said arms are raised, a reel can be lifted onto
the reel carrying structure.
5. A lifting apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said spindle bar of
the reel is lowered onto the reel support structure as the arms are
rotated about an angle so that the spindle bar is supported by the
angle members together with catch means carried by the angle
members for retaining the spindle bar in a fixed position on the
reel carrying structure.
6. A lifting apparatus as in claim 1 together with a drive
mechanism rotatably carried by the outer end of one of said arms,
said drive mechanism having a motor and a stub shaft coupled to
said motor, a reel, a spindle bar arm having members capable of
engaging said reel, a drive dog carried by spindle bar arm and
releasable means secured to said stub shaft and adapted to engage
said drive lug so as said motor is operated the spindle bar arm
will be rotated to cause rotation of the reel.
7. A lifting apparatus as in claim 6 wherein said releasable means
of the drive mechanism engaging the drive lug includes a quick
release catch mechanism.
8. A lifting apparatus as in claim 7 together with a quick release
catch mechanism carried by the other of said arms for engaging said
spindle bar.
9. A lifting apparatus as in claim 6 wherein said reel is provided
with at least one spoke and wherein said spindle bar is provided
with a pin-like member adapted to engage one side of said spoke
together with a catch mechanism mounted on the other end of said
spindle bar arm for engaging a spoke of said reel so as to limit
the freedom of movement of said reel within a small angle with
respect to said spindle bar arm.
10. In a reel lifting apparatus, a truck-like vehicle having a
wheeled framework, a subframe mounted on said framework, a truck
bed body mounted on said subframe and overlying said subframe, said
truck bed body having a planar bed surface, an elongate rod-like
member, means pivotally mounting said elongate rod-like member on
said body so that it extends in a direction at right angles to the
longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a pair of arms, means mounting
said pair of arms in spaced apart fixed positions on said rod-like
member, means underlying the truck bed body for causing rotational
movement of said elongate rod-like members to move said arms
through a substantial angle, a spindle bar adapted to be inserted
through the reel and removably mounted on the ends of said arms,
drive means carried by the end of at least one of said arms and
means adapted to couple said drive means to said reel to cause
rotation of the reel.
11. Lifting equipment as in claim 10 together with a reel, wherein
said reel is provided with at least one spoke and wherein said
means for causing rotation of said reel includes a spindle bar arm,
means carried by the spindle bar arm for engaging at least one of
said spokes of said reel so that as spindle bar arm is rotated said
reel is rotated, a drive lug carried by the spindle bar arm, quick
release catch means engaging said drive lug and coupled to said
drive means.
12. A lifting apparatus as in claim 11 together with quick release
catch means mounted on the other of said arms for engaging the
spindle.
13. Lifting equipment as in claim 11 wherein said means engaging
said spoke of said reel includes a pin engaging one side of said
one spoke and a catch engaging a spoke to prevent more than limited
rotational travel of said reel with respect to said spindle bar
arm.
14. A lifting apparatus as in claim 10 wherein said drive means
includes a hydraulic motor and a planetary in-line gear reducing
drive and means coupling said motor to said quick release catch
mechanism.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various types of reel lifting devices have heretofore been
provided. Certain such reel lifting devices have utilized rubber
rollers for driving the outer edges of the rims of the reels.
Apparatus of this type has a disadvantage in that only certain
types of reels can be driven. In addition in such apparatus, the
payload of the vehicle is so far to the rear that it creates an
unbalanced situation on the vehicle. In addition, the rollers used
for driving the reels have a tendency to disintegrate. The
mechanism utilized for driving the rollers is relatively
complicated and service life on the mechanism is relatively poor.
Other apparatus has utilized a spindle bar in the reel and have
provided means for engaging the spindle bar for driving the reel.
Such mechanisms have been relatively complicated and also have
limited application to the different types of reels. Another type
of apparatus utilized a chain-type drive for the spindle which was
utilized for driving the reel. Such apparatus has had the
disadvantage in that it is incapable of carrying heavy reels and,
in addition, it has been difficult to remove the spindle bar. There
is, therefore, need for a new and improved reel lifting apparatus
which overcomes the above named disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND OBJECTS
The reel lifting apparatus consists of a truck-like vehicle having
a wheeled framework. A subframe is mounted on the framework. A
truck bed body is mounted upon the subframe and overlies the
subframe. The truck bed body has a planar surface. An elongate
rod-like member is pivotally mounted on the body so it extends in a
direction at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
First and second arms are mounted in spaced apart fixed positions
on the rod-like member. Means is carried by the end of the arms for
receiving and carrying the reel. A plate is secured to the rod-like
member. An L-shaped member is provided. Means is provided for
pivotally securing one end of the L-shaped member to the subframe.
Means is provided for connecting the other end of the L-shaped
member to the plate at a point offset from the axis of rotation of
the rod-like member. An actuator is provided which underlies the
truck body and has one end of the same pivotally connected to the
subframe and has the other end of the same pivotally connected to
the L-shaped member at a point between the ends of the L-shaped
member whereby there is imparted to the rod-like member and the
arms carried thereby rotational movement in excess of 135.degree..
A spindle bar is adapted to be inserted through the reel and is
removably mounted in the ends of said arms. A motor is carried by
one of the arms. Means is provided for coupling the output shaft of
the motor to the spindle bar to cause rotation of the spindle bar
and the reel carried thereby.
In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
reel lifting apparatus mounted on a vehicle which can accommodate
various types of reels.
Another object of the invention is to provide a reel lifting
apparatus of the above character in which relatively heavy reels
can be carried in the reel lifting apparatus.
Another object of the invention is to provide a reel lifting
apparatus in which large, heavy reels can be carried without the
necessity of storing the same in a separate vehicle.
Another object of the invention is to provide a reel lifting
apparatus of the above character which can generate a large line
pull.
Another object of the invention is to provide a reel lifting
apparatus in which the weight of the reel carried thereby is
sufficiently far forward that the vehicle remains stable.
Another object of the invention is to provide a reel lifting
apparatus which is relatively simple to build and operate.
Additional objects and features of the invention will appear from
the following description in which the preferred embodiment is set
forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a reel lifting apparatus
incorporating the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view looking along the line 2--2 of FIG.
1.
FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c are cross-sectional views taken along the lines
3--3 of FIG. 2 and show various positions for the reel lifting
apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG.
2.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG.
4.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG.
4.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7--7 of FIG.
4.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8--8 of FIG.
2.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 9--9 of FIG.
8.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The reel lifting apparatus 11 consists of a truck-like vehicle 12
of a conventional type. The truck or truck-like vehicle is provided
with a framework 13 having front and rear wheels 14 and 16 mounted
thereon. A cab 17 of a conventional type is mounted over the
forward extremity of the framework. First and second rows of spaced
apart parallel rows of cabinets 18 are mounted on opposite sides of
the framework 13 to the rear of the cab 17. A subframe 19 is
mounted upon the framework 13 and serves to reinforce the
framework. A truck bed body 21 is mounted upon the subframe 19 and
overlies the subframe 19. The truck bed body 21 is provided with a
planar bed 22 overlying the subframe 19.
A reel support or carrying frame 23 is mounted upon the framework
13 and upon the subframe 19 and is provided on each side of the
framework 13. The frame 23 consists of a horizontal angle member 24
which is supported in its forward extremity by a vertical post 26
and its rear extremity by a vertical post 27. Another vertical post
28 is provided intermediate posts 26 and 27. A brace 29 is secured
to the post 28.
A reel lifting equipment 31 is mounted on the rear extremity of the
truck-like vehicle 12. The lifting equipment 31 consists of a large
rod or shaft-like member in the form of a 4-inch steel pipe 32.
Means is provided for pivotally mounting the rod-like member 32 so
that it extends in a direction at right angles to the longitudinal
axis of the truck-like vehicle. As shown in the drawings, such
means consists of a pair of pivot bearing assemblies 33 which are
mounted in spaced apart positions on the rear wall of the truck bed
body 21 as shown particularly in FIG. 2. First and second spaced
apart arms 34 and 36 are provided and have their rearmost
extremities mounted in fixed positions on the rod-like member 32
for pivotal movement on the axis of rotation of the member 32. The
arms 34 and 36 are fixed to the rod-like member 32 by brackets 37
and 35 respectively. An additional support arm 38 is mounted in a
fixed position on the member 32 and is associated with the arm 36.
The arm 38 has one end fixed to the rod-like member 32 by suitable
means such as welding. The two arms 36 and 38 are provided on one
side to provide an additional support for drive means as
hereinafter described.
Means is provided for causing rotational movement about the pivot
axis formed by the axis of rotation for the rod-like member 32 so
that the arms 34 and 36 can be rotated through a suitable angle as,
for example, in excess of 135.degree. and up to 180.degree.. Such
means consists of first and second linkage mechanisms 39 provided
adjacent each end of the rod-like member 32. Each of the linkage
mechanisms includes a bracket 37. Each bracket 37 includes a pair
of spaced apart generally triangular plates 41 which are mounted in
fixed positions upon the rod-like member 32. The arms 34 and 36 are
mounted in a fixed position upon the rod-like member 32 between the
plates 41. The plates 41 are secured to the rod-like member 32 in
such a manner that the rod-like member is disposed adjacent the
apex of the triangular shaped plates 41.
Means is provided for rotating the arms 34 and 36 about the axis of
rotation of the rod-like member 32 and consists of a link 42 which
is pivotally connected by a pin 43 to one corner of the triangular
plates 41. The other end of the link 42 is pivotally connected by a
pin 44 to one end of an L-shaped member 46. The other end of the
L-shaped member is connected by a pin 48 to a support plate 49
mounted upon the subframe 19. The heel of the L-shaped member is
pivotally connected by a pin 51 to the outer extremity of the
piston rod 52 of a hydraulic actuator assembly 53 which includes
hydraulic cylinder 54. The cylinder 54 is provided with a
protrusion 56 which is pivotally connected by a pin 57 to a support
plate 58 mounted upon the subframe 19. From the construction thus
far described, it can be seen that the linkage mechanism 39
generally underlies the truck bed body 21 and that only the
triangularly shaped brackets 37 which are connected to the rod-like
member 32 extend outwardly to the rear of the vehicle. The other
parts are secured to the subframe and underlie the truck bed body
21. The hydraulic cylinder 54 is connected by suitable piping or
tubes (not shown) for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to
the same under the control of a hydraulic control valve in a manner
well known to those skilled in the art.
The reel lifting apparatus includes a spindle bar 61 which is
adapted to be inserted through the central hole 63 of a cable reel
62. The reel 62 is conventionally provided with a pair of spaced
apart holes 63 which are formed in the spokes or arms 64 extending
diametrically of the reel. The outer extremities of the spoke arm
64 are secured to a cylindrical drum 66 and spaced apart inner
annular rims 67. Spaced apart annular sideplates 68 are secured to
the inner rim 67 and extend outwardly in radial directions to
spaced apart annular outer rims 69. The side plates 68 are provided
with radially extending reinforcing ribs 71.
As shown in FIG. 4, the spindle bar 61 is held in a predetermined
position within the holes 63 of the reel 62 by suitable means such
as tapered collars 72 which engage the inner surfaces of the arms
or spokes 64 and are held in place by set screws 73. By utilizing
such an arrangement, it can be seen that the spindle bar 61 can be
of a relatively small size and that the collars 72 can be utilized
to accommodate various sized holes in the reels. As is well known
to those skilled in the art, the size of the holes in the reels
differ with the size of the reels. Thus, one spindle bar can be
utilized with reels of various sizes merely by use of the tapered
collar 72. The collar 72 will hold the spindle bar 61 in a
predetermined axial position with respect to the reel 62 so that it
cannot slip back and forth but still can rotate in the holes in the
reel.
The outer ends of the lifting arms 34 and 36 are each provided with
loading catches 76 and are provided with driving catch assemblies
77 and 78. The loading catch 76 is in the form of tooth-like member
81. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the tooth-like member 81 is secured
to the arms 34 and 36 by suitable means such as welding and extends
forwardly from the arm at a suitable angle as, for example, an
angle of approximately 45.degree.. The tooth-like member 81 in
cooperation with the arm forms a recess 82 which is capable of
accommodating the outer ends of the spindle extending beyond the
sides of the reel 62 and is utilized for loading reels onto the
reel carrying structure or frame 23 as hereinafter described.
The catch assembly 77 mounted upon the arm 34 consists of a block
86 which is provided with a U-shaped recess therein that is adapted
to receive the spindle bar 61. The block 86 is secured to the arm
34 by suitable means such as welding. A link 89 has one end
pivotally mounted upon a bolt 91 carried by a pair of spaced apart
projections 92 welded onto the block 86. The link 89 carries a dog
93 which is adapted to loosely overlie the top of the spindle 61 as
shown in FIG. 5. Means is provided for adjustably positioning the
outer end of the link 89 so as to position the dog 93 and consists
of an eyebolt assembly 94 which is carried between a pair of spaced
apart projections 96 welded to the front portion of the block 86.
The eyebolt assembly 94 consists of a sleeve 97 which is pivotally
mounted upon a bolt 98 which is carried by the projections 96. A
threaded rod 99 is welded to the sleeve 97 and extends at right
angles therefrom. The rod 99 is adapted to seat within a recess or
slot 101 provided in the forward extremity of the link 89. A large
hexagonal nut 102 is mounted on the upper extremity of the threaded
rod 99 and is adapted to engage the upper extremity of the link 89
to adjust the position of the outer extremity of the link 89 with
respect to the rod 99. A pair of adjustable jam nuts 103 are also
mounted on the threaded rod 99 and are positioned to determine the
lowermost position of the outer end of the link 89 so that the dog
93 will not rub against the spindle 61. The jam nuts 103 also make
it possible to tightly clamp the outer end of the link 89 in place
by the nut 102. By the construction of this catch assembly 77 it
can be seen that by loosening the nut 102, the eyebolt assembly 94
can be swung to an out-of-the-way position and the link 89 lifted
so that the spindle 61 can be inserted or removed.
The driving catch assembly 78 provided on the arm shaft 36 is shown
in detail in FIG. 6. As shown therein, it consists of two
spaced-apart plates 106. A block 109 is mounted between U-shaped
plates 106 by suitable means such as welding. The block 109 is
provided with a U-shaped recess 111 which generally conforms to the
configuration of one of the plates 106 and which is adapted to
receive one end of the spindle 61 as shown in FIG. 6. The link 112
has one end of the same pivotally mounted upon a bolt 113 carried
by the upstanding ends of the U-shaped plates 106. Means is
provided for securing the other end of the link 112 in a
predetermined position and consists of an eyebolt assembly 114
similar to the eyebolt assembly 94 hereinbefore described.
The eyebolt assembly 114 consists of a sleeve 116 which is
pivotally mounted upon a bolt 117 mounted in the outer extremities
of the U-shaped plates 106. A threaded rod 118 extends
diametrically or at right angles from the sleeve 116 and is adapted
to seat in a slot 119 provided in the outer end of the link 112. A
pair of adjustable jam nuts 121 and a large nut 122 are provided
for securing the outer end of the link to the threaded rod 118 in a
predetermined position. As shown in FIG. 6, the link 112 is adapted
to engage a generally U-shaped lug 126. This lug 126 is provided
with a curved surface 127 on one end and a generally flat planar
surface 128 on the other end. The curved surface is adapted to seat
within the U-shaped recess and is provided in one of the plates 106
whereas the planar surface 128 is adapted to be engaged by the link
112. The drive lug 126 is formed integral with a spindle bar arm
129. The spindle bar arm is adapted to be secured to the spindle 61
by the spindle 61 seating in a bore 131 in the spindle bar arm 129.
Means is provided for securing the spindle bar to the reel through
which the spindle bar has been inserted and consists of a pin 136
which is mounted in one end of the spindle bar 129 and which is
adapted to engage one side of one of the spokes 64 of the reel so
as to drive the reel as the spindle bar arm 129 is driven as
hereinafter described. In order to control movement of the reel
within a few degrees, the catch mechanism 137 is provided on the
other end of this spindle bar arm 129 and consists of a U-shaped
bracket 138 which is adapted to fit over one of the arms 64 and
then be slid onto another pin 139 carried by the other end of the
spindle bar arm 129.
Means is provided for rotating the driving catch assembly 78 for
supporting the same upon the arms 36 and 38 and consists of a stub
shaft 141 which is fixed to the drive catch assembly 78 so it
rotates therewith. The stub shaft 141 is rotatably mounted in a
bearing housing 142 which carries a pair of tapered roller bearing
assemblies (not shown) that carry the stub shaft 141. The bearing
housing 142 is carried by a large end bracket 143. The end bracket
143 is mounted upon the ends of the arms 36 and 38. A large
planetary gear housing 144 is secured to the end bracket 143 by
suitable means such as cap screws 146. The planetary gear housing
142 carries within the same an in-line planetary gear reducer of a
type well known to those skilled in the art. The gear reducer is
driven by a large hydraulic motor 147 of a suitable type such as
one manufactured by Char-Lynn which is secured to the planetary
gear housing 144 by bolts 148.
As shown in FIG. 2, a small windlass or drum 151 can be mounted on
the outer extremity of the spindle 61 for a purpose hereinafter
described.
A catch mechanism is provided for retaining the reel which has been
mounted upon the reel support or reel carrying frame 23. This catch
mechanism 156 consists of a block 157 which is provided with a
U-shaped recess 158. One end of the block 157 is pivotally mounted
on a pin 159 carried by the angle member 24. The block is provided
with a rounded surface 161 so that the block can be tilted upwardly
at a right angle as shown by broken lines in FIG. 9. As shown in
FIG. 9, when a spindle has been advanced to a position adjacent the
block 157, the block can be flipped downwardly over the spindle and
clamped in place by another pin 162 extending through the block and
through the angle member 24 to hold the spindle in place.
Operation and use of the reel lifting apparatus may now be briefly
described as follows. Let it be assumed that the truck 12 is empty
of reels and it is desired to load one of the reels 62 onto the
reel carrying structure or frame 23. When this is the case, the
hydraulic actuator 54 is actuated to lower the arms 34 and 36 so
that they are substantially in a horizontal position as shown in
FIG. 1. Spindle bar 61 is inserted into the reels and collars 72
are mounted on the spindle to hold the spindle bar in a
predetermined position with respect to the reel. The end of the
spindle bar 61 extends beyond the reel and the reel is rolled into
position so that the spindle bar seats within the recess 82 of the
tooth-like members 81 carried by the arms 34 and 36. The hydraulic
cylinders 54 are then actuated to cause extension of the pistons
52. This causes a force to be applied to the L-shaped member 46
which causes a force to be applied to one corner of the triangular
shaped plates 41 to in turn cause the arms 34 and 36 to be raised
and to be rotated through an arc as shown in FIG. 1 until the outer
extremities of the spindle come into engagement with the angle
members 24 of the carrying frame 23. The arms 34 and 36 are rotated
still further so that the spindle is freed from the tooth-like
members 81. The reel can then be rolled forward on the support
frame 23. The catches 156 are moved so they are in the vertical
upright position and the spindle bar 61 and the reel 62 carried
thereby are rolled until the spindle bar comes into engagement with
the block 157. Thereafter, the block 157 can be lowered over the
top of the spindle bar and clamped in place by insertion of the
pins 162. It can be seen that the reel 62 is in the forwardmost
position of the truck bed body 21.
Now let it be assumed that it is desired to load a reel into the
catch assemblies 77 and 78 provided on the outer ends of the arms
34 and 36. The hydraulic cylinders 54 are again actuated to lower
the arms 34 and 36 so that they are in generally horizontal
positions as shown in FIG. 1. Spindle bar 61 is inserted into the
next reel 62 and positioned in a predetermined position by the
collars 72. The reel 62 is positioned in such a manner that the
spindle 61 can be positioned in the catch assemblies 77 and 78. The
collar 72 is positioned in such a manner that the spindle 61 seats
in the spindle bar arm 129. The spindle bar arm 129 is positioned
so that the pin 136 is disposed on one side of one of the spokes
64. Thereafter, the U-shaped bracket 138 is positioned over the arm
64 and is inserted over another pin 139 carried by the other end of
the spindle bar arm 129 engaging the opposite sides of one of the
spokes 64. The drive lug 126 carried by the spindle bar arm 129 is
inserted into the driving catch assembly 78 and is clamped in place
by the use of the eye bolt assembly 114 as hereinbefore described.
The spindle 61 is also locked in place in the catch assembly 77 by
the eye bolt assembly 94 also in a manner hereinbefore described.
As soon as this has been accomplished, the cylinders 54 can be
actuated to cause raising of the arms 34 and 36 as hereinbefore
described to cause the reel 62 to be lifted through an arc as shown
in FIG. 1 and to raise the wheel and stowed in the broken-line
position shown in FIG. 1 immediately to the rear of the reel 62
which is carried by the reel support frame 23. As can be seen, the
last reel 62 carried by the catch assembly 78 and 77 is mounted in
a position so that it is relatively close to the rear axles and
generally overlies the bed of the truck bed body 21. Even though
two large reels are carried by the truck bed body, it can be seen
that the weight is well distributed over the truck bed body and is
generally forward of the rear wheels 16.
The reel lifting mechanism which has heretofore been described for
raising and lowering the reels is capable of causing travel through
approximately 180.degree., although in the embodiment shown travel
through only approximately 135.degree. to 145.degree. is required.
It should be appreciated that with the lifting equipment the reels
can be loaded onto and removed from the reel support frame 23. In
addition, reels can be carried in and removed from the catch
assembly 77 and 78 provided at the outer ends of the arms 34 and
36.
The operation of the hydraulic cylinders 54 is independent of the
in-line drive means which is provided for driving the reel which is
mounted in the lifting equipment. In other words, the in-line drive
can be operated in any position of the arms 34 and 36, although
typically it would be operated when the reel is in the broken-line
position as shown in FIG. 1. With such an arrangement, it has been
found that it is very possible to provide a 4,000 pound pull at the
42-inch diameter on the reel. The reel can be utilized in
conventional cable pulling and cable placing operations. The
windlass 151 has been provided to also aid cable pulling and
placing operations. The windlass which by way of example has a
diameter of 6 inches would apply a pulling force of 30,000 pounds
or a pulling force of approximately seven times that of the reel
because of its proportionally smaller diameter.
In connection with the foregoing, it can be seen that the lifting
equipment also can be utilized for loading and carrying reels. The
catch mechanisms which are utilized at the ends of the arms make it
possible to accommodate reels of different sizes. This is also made
possible by the fact that an in-line drive is provided at the ends
of the arms for driving the reel. The clamp or catch mechanism 137
provided at the end of the spindle bar arm 129 serves to control
the movement of the cable reel so that it goes with the spindle bar
arm 129 and stays generally in synchronism therewith. The catch or
clamp mechanism 137 prevents over-running or over-travel by the
reel. In other words, the spindle bar arm 129 with its pin 136 and
the bracket 138 engaging the spokes 64 permits a few degrees of
freedom of movement relative to the spindle bar arm 129. The upper
section of the reel lifting mechanism is generally positioned so
that it underlies the truck bed body and serves to position the
reels so that the major portion of the payload for the vehicle
substantially overlies or is ahead of the rear axle of the vehicle.
The reel is always positively driven by the in-line drive mechanism
located at the ends of the support arm. The reels can be driven in
either direction by reversal of the hydraulic motor. When reels are
not loaded onto the vehicle, it can be seen that the bed of the
truck bed body is free for other uses because the lifting mechanism
is generally positioned beneath the truck bed body and does not
interfere with the use of the bed space.
* * * * *